as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
Perkins has worked with the second-team defense and saw a snap with the first-string unit as well, aligning over the center’s right shoulder in a pass-rushing look.
—
Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 20 June 2026
With Hollins and Boutte absent and Brown still on the Eagles, Doubs, Williams, Chism and Douglas received most of the first-string work at wide receiver.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 20 June 2026
With Hollins and Boutte absent and Brown still on the Eagles, Doubs, Williams, Chism and Douglas received most of the first-string work at wide receiver.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
For its fruit, of course, with its prime role in snacks like cocos preparados or in rich guisados and seafood dishes that are known along the whole Pacific coast.—
Daniel Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
-
The positioning for the kick would have been prime for a goal, but Yoel Bárcenas' hit was deflected by a header from Croatia's Joško Gvardiol at the wall.—
Monica Alba,
NBC news,
24 June 2026
Adjective
-
That’s thanks to the show’s terrific cast, of course, but the actors are given a lot to work with in the smart, snappy scripts.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
21 June 2026
-
Cody Bellinger is quietly having a terrific season for the Yankees.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Even with a stellar starting rotation and a lineup of superstar hitters, a World Series can be lost if the Dodgers remain liable to cough up leads in the final innings.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The United States is back in action Friday at the World Cup against Australia, exactly one week after a stellar performance in its opener that sent expectations for the squad soaring.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Australia began their campaign with a superb 2-0 win over Türkiye, sitting deep and springing on the counter to devastating effect to give themselves a great chance of reaching the knockout stages.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
-
The namesake suite is one of the largest in central Rome at more than 2,045 square feet, with superb views over the nearby piazza.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sneakers are always calling my name (a great travel companion).—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
24 June 2026
-
Having spent more than 30 years in the makeup industry, founder and makeup artist Jung Saem Mool knows great makeup starts long before foundation enters the picture.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 June 2026
Adjective
-
So many wonderful dinners with friends and nights out on the town.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
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Soccer – football in much of the world – has a long and wonderful tradition of singing, whether that be in praise of their favorite players, mocking opponents (sometimes, brutally so) or simply urging their team forward.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
This linen version has a lovely, floaty silhouette that prevents the fabric from clinging to the skin.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
-
But everything started with Maradona spinning away from two England players just inside the Argentina half with a lovely piece of skill.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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